Ambition is easy. Execution is hard. Most people start the race, but very few finish it. What separates the "greats" from the "could-have-beens"? It’s not just a secret formula or a stroke of genius—it’s a commitment to three timeless principles that are as relevant in the Book of Nehemiah as they are in the 21st century. If you are tired of playing small and are ready to see your plans established, these are the three keys you need to master.
As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." To reach that level of establishment, we must anchor our strategy in discipline, commitment, and consistency.
Discipline is The Foundation of Focus
Discipline is the engine of success. In the Bible, this is often called self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s the ability to stay focused on your objectives even when distractions arise.
Even as a captive in Babylon, Daniel disciplined himself not to defile his body with the king’s food. His refusal to compromise led to him being ten times wiser than all the magicians in the kingdom (Daniel 1).
Consider Michael Phelps. His discipline involved training 365 days a year for years, including birthdays and holidays, to shave milliseconds off his time. He didn't wait for "motivation" to strike; he relied on his routine.
Key Action: "Train yourself to be godly" (1 Timothy 4:7). Set a structured daily routine that eliminates distractions before they have a chance to steer you off path.
Commitment is The Heart of Endurance
Commitment means fully dedicating yourself to your goals and embracing the journey, regardless of the cost. It is the "wholeheartedness" described in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
Nehemiah, when tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he faced ridicule, threats, and exhaustion. However, his commitment was so deep that he told his enemies, "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down" (Nehemiah 6:3).
When Howard Schultz (Starbucks) was trying to start his coffee company, 217 of the 242 investors he spoke to said "no." His commitment to his vision kept him going through over 200 rejections before he secured the funding that built a global empire.
So, how do you strengthen your commitment? Find your “Why”: Understanding your God-given purpose fuels dedication. Remember to surround yourself with a "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) who encourage you.
Consistency is The Power of Steadfastness
Consistency is the glue that holds everything together. It is the biblical principle of steadfastness. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
God didn’t tell Joshua to knock the walls of Jericho down with one blow. He commanded the Israelites to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. It was the consistent, repetitive act of obedience that led to the breakthrough (Joshua 6).
Jerry Seinfeld’s "Don't Break the Chain" method. To become a better comedian, Seinfeld committed to writing one joke every single day. He used a wall calendar and put a big red "X" over every day he wrote. Soon, the goal wasn't just writing; it was not breaking the chain of consistency.
The best way to achieve consistency is by setting achievable milestones to track progress, and don't forget to celebrate small wins; do not "despise the day of small beginnings" (Zechariah 4:10).
Closing Thoughts
Success doesn't happen overnight; it is a gradual process fueled by unwavering dedication. By putting on the "armor" of discipline, the "heart" of commitment, and the "walk" of consistency, you align yourself with the principles that move both mountains and hearts.
Let’s commit today to pursuing our dreams. The journey may be challenging, but the harvest is promised!
Which of these three keys do you find the most challenging to maintain? Let me know in the comments below, and let's encourage one another!
Exploring life, one thought at a time.
Rumishael C. Ulomi, Founder & Lead Contributor,
Sikio Sikivu Ministries (SSM)
“On A Mission To Share Expertise, Build Smart Relationships, And Serve God’s Kingdom.” www.sikiosikivu.com
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